Cold Snap Approaches Portugal: Which Regions Will Be Most Affected?

Cold Snap Hits Portugal

The climatologist Mário Marques has announced that the cold snap affecting Spain is now entering Portugal. The country can expect showers, wind, and even snow in higher altitudes, although Marques assures that there is no cause for major concern.

“This depression is moving into the central part of the territory and will impact the Estrela system and other areas, with snow expected above 1,200 meters, particularly from late afternoon or early evening,” he explained.

The depression will primarily affect the Algarve, the Alentejo coast, and the Setúbal region. “These will be the most impacted areas, especially on the night of the 14th, the early hours of the 15th, and throughout the day on the 15th,” he confirmed, noting that frequent and heavy showers along with strong winds are anticipated.

In contrast, the North region should experience calmer weather, with only a few showers expected tonight and tomorrow.

Marques warns of potential flooding and local inundations if rain intensifies in urban areas. However, he dismisses any scenario similar to the severe weather that recently struck Spain. “No, not at all,” he emphasized when asked if Portugal would face similar conditions. He clarified that such weather patterns are normal for autumn, with a higher likelihood of these situations occurring at this time of year.

He further downplayed concerns regarding risk, stating that the current situation in Spain, where Tarragona and Málaga were the hardest hit, does not compare to what occurred in Valencia. “There’s no similarity. That week was very peculiar due to a specific weather train that affected that region,” he explained.

Last week’s floods in southeastern Spain impacted 78 municipalities, 75 of which were in the Valencian Community, according to updated data from the Spanish government.